Original PromptWere the Vikings really just raiders, or were they settlers too?
How were Viking raiders and Viking settlers different? – Pupils complete a Venn diagram comparing raider and settler life.
– Add illustrations to support understanding (longhouse, farming tools, boats).
This learning resource explores the dual roles of Vikings as fierce raiders and peaceful settlers during the Middle Ages. It provides an overview of who the Vikings were, emphasizing their skills in shipbuilding, farming, and trade. The document outlines the tactics and tools used by Vikings during their raids, including their fast longships and weaponry, as well as their motivations for raiding, such as wealth and better lands. Additionally, it discusses the life of Viking settlers, detailing their agricultural practices, trade, and the establishment of settlements in places like the British Isles, Iceland, Greenland, and North America. The resource encourages critical thinking by comparing the distinct lifestyles of raiders and settlers through activities such as identifying key facts and completing a Venn diagram.